Brad 'Freddy' Fittler is ready to coach the NSW Blues in game two of rugby league's State of Origin

Adrian Proszenko

It has been a decade since his last State of Origin game, but Brad Fittler is back to torment the Maroons.

Fittler will play an even bigger role in NSW's preparations for game II at ANZ Stadium after accepting a role as an assistant to coach Laurie Daley. The man dubbed ''Freddy'' will step into the breach after Paul McGregor had to scale back his commitment after he was appointed a caretaker coach of St George Illawarra. McGregor, a former Blues player himself, will still be involved on game day as the man who runs the water and messages to the players.

Fittler is one of NSW's favourite sons and remains the state's most capped player with 31 appearances between 1990 and 2004. The former Penrith and NSW pivot also captained the Blues through one of their more successful periods.

Fittler was already heavily involved in the team's preparations as the coach of the City Origin side. Like Country counterpart Trent Barrett, the 42-year-old chose his team in consultation with Daley to ensure it was a genuine State of Origin trial.

He was also a part of the team's preparations going into their upset win at Suncorp Stadium, although a virus forced him to leave their Coffs Harbour base to prevent him from infecting the players.

Fittler has taken on another personal project that could pay dividends for the Blues down the track. The premiership-winning playmaker has taken it upon himself to mentor troubled star Blake Ferguson, who remains deregistered from the NRL despite being signed for off-field duties with the Roosters. Ferguson is battling a serious leg injury but is hoping to return to the NRL – and potentially NSW – next year if he can prove to the governing body that he has his life back on track.